The hoof problem previously known as Hoof Wall Separation Syndrome (HWSS) has been renamed as Hoof Wall Separation Disease (HWSD). HWSD is an unique, verifiable and testable disease. It should not be confused with any other hoof pathology. HWSD is a genetic autosomal recessive condition. Two carrier parents being bred with each other results in 1:4 chance of the foal being HWSD afflicted. There is now a commercially available genetic test for the HWSD mutation.

Tuesday, 12 March 2013

News from the Bannasch Laboratory

A message from the lovely people of the Bannasch Laboratory at U C Davis arrived today.

"The Connemara community has been incredibly supportive, and I know you
have worked extraordinarily hard at getting DNA to the lab. Your
efforts and the generosity of many owners has been very effective, and
we are no longer in need of control samples."

This is a real kudos to the people who got in behind this project, both
with donations to fund the work, and those who at their own expense,
rallied to the call and submitted blood samples from their ponies. The
research has come such a long way in a very short space of time (from
the scientific research perspective). This would never have happened so
quickly without you all.

Please note that samples from additional confirmed HWSS affected ponies will still be accepted.

To anyone who wishes to send blood samples from outside of the USA from affected ponies, you are asked to wait until further notice whilst the import permits are renewed. Once the permits have come through, a notice to this effect will be posted on the blog.

Once again, thank you to all of the people who have made this research a 'happening thing'.

About Me

Connemara Pony breeders from many countries have combined together to enable this research on HWSD. It is a truly international co-operative. The Research Group is completely independent of and non-aligned from any breed society or country.